Why Won’t My Flashlight Work For Do-It-Yourself Light Therapy?

Bright light therapy refers to using exposure to artificial light to treat many issues such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, insomnia and more. The idea behind light therapy is that lack of sunlight is responsible for mood disorders and hormone imbalances that contribute to a variety of ailments, from severe depression to skin conditions.

Many studies have shown that simply staying in the intense sunlight for a few minutes every day can undo all this damage for good.

And this is why some people think that if a special light therapy lamp or lightbox can cure their blues, then why can’t a powerful flashlight or a tanning bed do the same? After all, light is light!

Bright Light Device vs Flashlight

Unfortunately, as intense or bright as your flashlight may seem, it is not equipped to emit the kind of light that’s needed for light therapy.

In light therapy, you need to be exposed to high levels of intense light produced by a “bright light device”. These boxes need to produce 10,000 lux (unit of light or illuminance), which is 25 times brighter than your average indoor lighting.

These special bright light devices or lamps use different wavelengths and color strengths to treat different conditions. In fact, the invention of modern light therapy equipment goes back to the 1980s, when scientists noticed that symptoms of mood disorders seemed to get worse during the year’s darker months.

This disorder was named SAD (seasonal affective disorder), and it is a recurring form of depression that affects people during the winter months. Scientists found that reduced-sunlight days in winter disrupted the body’s circadian rhythms, which control body temperature, hormone creation, sleep patterns, and other functions.

Then in 1984, it was found that exposure to bright white light significantly alleviated the SAD symptoms and helped people regain their general wellbeing.

During seasonal affective disorder light therapy, a narrow band of blue-to-green light is considered the most effective wavelength or color in treating the depressive disorder. Also known as “happy lights for depression”, these modern light devices mimic the natural sunlight and have proven to be as effective in treating depression as many antidepressants.

Bright Light Therapy: Answer to Your Winter Blues?

By using a bright light device for 30 minutes a day, you can significantly boost your serotonin levels, which will leave you feeling highly energized, motivated, and happier. Light therapy can increase energy levels and improve your concentration for work and daily activities.

If you are not getting sufficient sunlight, and it is causing you a multitude of health issues, it may be time to consider light therapy. Make sure you consult with your doctor before investing in a light device because there is a wide variety of light therapy equipment (boxes, lamps, masks, etc.) in the market for different needs. Some are better for depressive disorders like SAD, and some are better for treating dermatological conditions like acne spots.

Whichever equipment you choose, it will be just as pain-free and non-invasive as using your good ol’ flashlight.

Come to Feel Bright Light for Our Unique Light Therapy

Seeking a ticket to a happier and healthier lifestyle? The unique light therapy treatment from Feel Bright Light will help you beat depression, sleep better, wake more refreshed and re-energize you. Discover the brightness of Feel Bright Light for yourself by visiting our products page or calling us toll-free at 207-935-1256.